Hyatt Regency Chongming

Technically, it’s part of Shanghai. But the island of Chongming — the largest sand island in the world, located at the mouth of the Yangtze, long known as “the land of fish and rice” — feels like a separate destination, with its own ancient Confucian temples and a densely forested national park. And its own business hotels, like the Hyatt Regency Chongming, located on the east end of the island.

For a chain hotel, the place has more local personality than you’d expect: there’s a classic teahouse with traditional carved-wood paneling and a collection of Chinese art, and one of the restaurants serves organic local cuisine. Including, of course, the aforementioned fish, fresh from the river. There’s a distinctly Chinese look to the guest rooms, too — think traditional armoires, decorative door frames, and wall panels painted with a delicate leaf pattern. Standard amenities across all room categories include large bathrooms with walk-in showers, 42-inch flatscreen TVs, iPod docks, private balconies, and a minibar — the first round is complimentary. Or you can just make yourself a civilized cup of tea with the in-room equipment provided. Suites come with extras like private gardens and outdoor Jacuzzis.

Elsewhere at the Hyatt Regency Chongming, apart from the more traditional tea and dining venues, there’s an Italian bistro, a lobby bar, and the Market Cafe for breakfast. Upstairs, there’s a sleek fitness center and a 25-meter indoor swimming pool, plus a “Songs & Games Centre.” (Read: karaoke. It’s all about the local touch.) But the best way to spend a spare afternoon on Chongming is to hop on a bicycle, furnished by the hotel, and pedal around the island, enjoying relative peace and quiet before heading back into the city proper.